Bessemer salt and pepper shakers, and double egg-cup
made in Australia, c.1970s
I have waxed lyrical about Bessemer products in previous posts– made from melamine, they were made by the Nylex Melmac Corporation which started production in the mid 60s. These salt and pepper shakers and the double egg-cup were designed by Lionel Suttie, an industrial designer.
It’s interesting that Mr Suttie is remembered as Bessemer’s lead designer: this was the first time that condiment or tableware made from plastic [melamine] was thought to be worthy of design – that a humble mass-produced domestic item could make a design statement. This set certainly does that- they pay homage to mid-century modernist design and in the colouring, homage to the 70s.
The salt and pepper sets are [l to r] orange, russet-brown and chartreuse. The double egg-cup is matches the russet-brown salt & pepper set…although you can see it has it’ own little indentations either side of the egg-cups which house it’s own salt and pepper.
Start your Bessemer collection today…or add to your existing Bessemer collection…or better yet- use these funky pieces as part of your retro breakfast display!
For sale: $AUD80
I like the double egg cup concept. You can get your eggs in a row from the outset.
hi linda – yes, the double eggcup is very efficient. i would like a space for the toast soldiers as well – but the salt and pepper nooks are good!
This is nice !!! *Cynthia
thanks cynthia….i think you’re quite right!
Such elegant shapes. S&P shakers make awesome displays now that ground white pepper and table salt are out of flavour…
yes, you’re right sandy. and we must use ground common salt- rather than the expensive la-de-da rock salt, because it has iodine. these shakers would be just the ticket.
Love the shakers, the colours are fab!
thanks! i love the retro 70s colours too.
Just can’t believe the egg cups are $80.00 each now had mine for ages.
Chris- you are onto a gold mine! if they are in good order without scratches you will be able to retire on the proceeds!